Oct. 18, 2018, 9:22 p.m.

Just after the Lakers cut their deficit to one point, C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard do what they do best — combined to make three consecutive shots including a three-pointer by each — to increase the Trail Blazers lead to 79-72 with 6:28 left in the third quarter.

Brandon Ingram made three shots and JaVale McGee converted three of four free throws to bring the Lakers to within 71-70 moments after taking a brief 69-67 lead.

The Portland Trail Blazers trailed by 10 points midway through the first quarter but used a 19-6 run to claim a 34-31 lead over the Lakers at the end of the first quarter.

LeBron James has 13 points on five-of-six shooting from the field while making all three of his free throws. James also had two thunderous dunks early in the game when the Lakers ran off to a 25-15 lead.

Damian Lillard, who has been driving down the lane at will, also had 13 points on four-of-eight shooting, the makes all layups. He’s also made all five of his free throws.

Oct. 18, 2018, 8:17 p.m.

Kyle Kuzma splits two defenders as he tries to power his way to the basket Thursday night. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma and LeBron James all scored inside to help the Lakers stretch their lead to 25-15 with 4:44 left in the first quarter.

Rondo drove from the wing for a layup, Kuzma made a nice spinning move along the baseline, and James got an put-back off a miss.

The Trail Blazers cut the deficit quickly to single digits with Damian Lillard making three free throws after he was fouled from long range. He later drove down the lane and for a layup and Portland trailed by only seven.